Best Camera Rain Covers for Outdoor Video Shoots
The best camera rain cover for most working photographers is the Think Tank Hydrophobia D 70-200. Based on your specific needs, such as the type of camera you have, the lens you are using, and the severity of the rain, it may be necessary to select a different product.
This article discusses many of the rain covers that B&H Photo currently offers and that professional photographers actually use. We focus on products designed to protect cameras for photography and video out in the field, not studio softboxes or housings for underwater diving. Each of the rain covers reviewed here costs significantly less than replacing a single lens element, making a rain cover a very affordable investment for your photography business.
The Top Camera Rain Covers
Think Tank Hydrophobia: The Pro Pick
The Think Tank Hydrophobia D 70-200 is the preferred choice among many professionals. The main reason is that the Hydrophobia is built with high-quality materials, including a fabric that is properly waterproof and not simply water resistant. The design also takes into account the way most photographers operate their cameras in inclement weather. The v3.0 update to the Hydrophobia includes a larger eyepiece hole to accommodate the thicker finder of cameras like the Sony a1 and Canon R5. The 70-200 model can accommodate a wide variety of camera systems with mid-telephoto lenses. Think Tank produces smaller versions called the D 24-70 for shorter zooms and the DM 300-600 for larger sports glass.
Many reviewers commented positively about the build quality of their Hydrophobias. Several mentioned shooting through storms at NFL sidelines or wildlife excursions without any water penetrating their cameras. A few reviewers mentioned that there was an additional charge for some camera-specific eyepieces, and that the Hydrophobia itself was expensive. However, nearly every reviewer said they would buy another. Several stated that they had been able to use their Hydrophobias for many years, whereas cheaper alternatives began to show signs of delamination early in their lifespan.
Many reviewers also praised the eyepiece feature of the Hydrophobia. The flexible gasket provides a good seal against the camera's eyecup. Some bodies require a special adapter to create a proper seal, specifically the Nikon Z8/Z9 and Canon R3. These adapters add additional expense, which reviewers grumble about. However, the Hydrophobia's eyepiece is what separates it from lesser-priced rain covers that appear weatherproofed but provide little or no true weather protection. The Hydrophobia is also available on Amazon if you want to compare prices.
Ruggard RC-P18: The Budget Workhorse
The Ruggard RC-P18 is a great starting place for those new to protecting their cameras from rain. The RC-P18 is a clear plastic sleeve that covers a DSLR or mirrorless body along with an attached lens up to 18 inches long. Although marketed as a pair (two per pack), it costs about as much as a sandwich. At time of writing, this product has accumulated over 240 reviews. A majority of customers report keeping one of these sleeves in each of their bags.
Many reviewers compliment this sleeve on how compact it folds and how clearly visible the camera settings remain through the clear plastic. Drawstrings cinch the sleeve around the lens hood and the back has an opening for your face and the LCD. Complaints are similar to all plastic sleeves: it tears easily if you catch it on a branch, it becomes noisy in windy conditions, and adjusting the controls through the bag is fiddly. One reviewer described it as "exactly what it looks like, a fancy plastic bag, but it works."
The Ruggard RC-P18 is ideal for impromptu photography sessions in rainy conditions, such as hiking or outdoor portraits that turn damp. It is not what you'd want for a planned shoot in actual storms, but having two or three in your bag could save your day.
Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover: Middle Ground
Between the budget Ruggard RC-P18 and the full Hydrophobia sits the Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover. The Emergency Rain Cover is a lightweight, ultra-compact coated nylon cover that is incredibly easy to carry due to its weight (it weighs practically nothing). Three sizes (small, medium, large) cover virtually every camera and lens combination, from compact bodies with a 24-70 to full-frame bodies with a 70-200.
Several reviewers have purchased both the Emergency Rain Cover and the Hydrophobia. When asked why they bought both, several indicated they carry the Emergency Rain Cover with them everywhere in their camera bag and only pull out the Hydrophobia when they expect bad weather. Multiple reviewers noted that the medium-sized Emergency Rain Cover fits a Canon R5 with the 24-105 perfectly.
Unlike plastic sleeves that often rip on a lens hood, the Emergency Rain Cover is constructed with a sturdy, durable coating that lasts indefinitely if cared for correctly. The one major drawback is the lack of an eyepiece window. Users must shoot primarily through the LCD rather than the viewfinder, which is fine for video but limiting for photo work. Therefore, this product is ideal for wedding shooters and event videographers who need something portable and reusable but not full-blown pro armor.
Ruggard Fabric Rain Shield: Reusable Long Cover
The Ruggard Fabric Rain Shield is another budget-friendly alternative for photographers who do not want to spend the cash for a Think Tank Emergency Rain Cover or full Hydrophobia. This product uses a coated water-resistant fabric instead of plastic and is available in three sizes (14, 17, and 23 inches). Users appreciate this product's quiet operation, unlike plastic sleeves, and durability that holds up to multiple uses.
While this product does not offer total waterproofing in extreme rain, it performs admirably in light to moderate precipitation. Several reviewers reported that they purchased the larger version and found it oversized for their particular camera and lens combination. Opt for a smaller version if you fall between sizes. The drawstring system isn't as elegant as Think Tank's, but it works.
When combined with a waterproof camera bag, this product creates an excellent value-based solution to protect your gear from rain at a fraction of the cost of other solutions.
Op/Tech USA Rain Sleeve: The Always-In-Your-Bag Option
Op/Tech's Rain Sleeve is the other ubiquitous cheap-plastic option, and a lot of working photographers consider it the better-designed cousin to the Ruggard sleeves. It comes in two sizes, has a more thoughtful drawstring at both ends, and the eyepiece opening is shaped so you can actually see through the viewfinder properly. Like the Ruggard, two come in a pack and they cost almost nothing.
Reviewers praise how thin and pack-down small they are. A common B&H comment is that one lives permanently in their camera bag's accessory pocket. The downsides are predictable for a plastic sleeve: it tears, controls are awkward through the plastic, and the flash-mounted version is harder to find. A few reviewers wish Op/Tech made a more durable reusable version, but for the price you can't really complain.
If you want the cheapest reliable insurance, get a couple of these and stash them everywhere. Camera bag, glove box, gear case. They'll be there when the sky opens up.
How to Pick the Right Cover
The two main reasons the Hydrophobia is better than the Emergency or Ruggard plastic sleeves are that it lasts for many years of heavy professional use and it's the only true waterproof cover here. If you're a casual shooter who shoots in the rain from time to time, either of the cheaper options is a much more affordable solution. No matter what, every photographer should have at least two Ruggard plastic sleeves or Op/Tech sleeves as part of their kit.
When choosing a rain cover, you want to choose one long enough to fit your largest lens extended with the hood attached. Measuring this length is critical to picking the right cover. The Ruggard RC-P18 covers lenses up to 18 inches in length while the RC-P8 fits up to 8 inches. The Hydrophobia covers come in different sizes based on the focal length range of your lens. There is no reason to buy a cover too small for your biggest lens. The whole point of a rain cover is so you don't have to mess with it every few seconds while trying to take photos.
For video shooters who typically compose using the rear LCD, viewfinder compatibility is not as big a concern and you may save some money on a cover without one. However, if you are a photographer who relies on the viewfinder, a model like the Hydrophobia with a built-in viewfinder eyepiece will make a difference.
What About DIY?
On reddit, there are always answers to "how do I keep my camera dry?" including using a shower cap, placing the lens through a plastic grocery bag, or cutting a hole in a gallon Ziploc. All three solutions work in an emergency situation and won't cost you anything. However, they have obvious limitations: a shower cap doesn't seal around the lens, grocery bags tear easily, and Ziplocs immediately begin to fog due to lack of breathability.
For anything you actually care about protecting, a real rain cover is so inexpensive that DIY is not worth the risk. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you could purchase a pair of Ruggard sleeves. The math doesn't favor improvising.
If you're carrying serious gear into actual weather, also think about your bag. A waterproof camera bag keeps everything dry between setups, and a good travel video tripod with corrosion-resistant legs handles wet ground without seizing up later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camera rain covers really necessary if my camera is weather-sealed?
Yes. Even if your camera has weather sealing, this does not mean your camera is fully waterproof. If you expose your camera to sustained rain, water can seep into areas such as the lens mount, hot shoe, and buttons. A good quality rain cover is an inexpensive insurance policy against possible damage. Manufacturers explicitly say weather sealing is not full waterproofing, and warranty claims for water damage are notoriously hard to win.
Will a rain cover work with a flash or external mic?
All of the rain covers discussed above were designed primarily to protect the camera body and lens. Accessories mounted on the hot shoe may not fit under standard rain covers. Specifically, most covers will not accommodate larger flashes. Think Tank offers flash-rated rain sleeves that provide additional clearance for larger flashes. If you are working with a shotgun mic mounted on a video rig, you may find that you need a medium or large Emergency cover.
How do I store my rain cover when it's wet?
You cannot simply place a wet rain cover back in your camera bag. Before storing your wet cover, hang it to dry, even if you have to drape it over the seat in your car. Mildew will form in a wet environment and it will compromise the coatings on a fabric cover. Plastic sleeves are essentially disposable, so throw away the wet ones after each use. The Hydrophobia comes with its own pouch you can fold the dried cover into.
Can I use a rain cover for snow?
Yes. Using a rain cover to protect your camera in snow can be even more beneficial than using it for rain. When melting snow forms puddles on your camera body and drips down into seams, you create an opportunity for water intrusion. Cold temperatures can cause plastic sleeves to become brittle and crack. If you plan to do significant photography in snowy conditions, opt for fabric covers like the Hydrophobia or Think Tank Emergency, since they remain flexible in cold and don't crinkle when you brush snow off them.
What about my microphone or audio gear in the rain?
Your microphone needs separate protection from your camera. To protect your microphone in rainy conditions, you'll likely need a windjammer with rain protection or a dedicated microphone rain cover. A solid wedding video setup usually includes both, since outdoor ceremonies can hit you with weather you didn't plan for. Don't assume your camera cover protects everything mounted on top of it.
Will rain covers fog up the lens?
Rarely. Condensation occurs when there is cold glass and warm humid air inside the rain cover. To avoid fogging on your lens, allow it to acclimate prior to shooting and leave the front element uncovered (most covers have a clear opening or drawstring at the front). Do not put silica packets inside your rain cover, since they can shed dust onto the lens. Also do not bring a cold camera straight into a warm vehicle right before shooting, or you'll fog the inside of the lens, which takes hours to clear.